Dealing with defects and strengthening historical steel bridges

Abstract

This paper describes traditional strengthening methods and proposes new approaches for strengthening historical steel bridges with the use of modern materials. There is a discussion of known bridge-strengthening methods, and several new ways to strengthen bridges are proposed. The first section presents the history of steel bridges, and discusses structural materials and bridge design. Types of structures and decks used for railway and roadway traffic are mentioned. This section also describes how the materials were joined, and how they were assembled by riveting. The second section lists the flaws and defects that typically occur on historical steel bridges. Each defect is described with respect to its origin, its effect on the structure and possible consequences. This section also introduces the main points that should be investigated when inspecting a steel bridge. The third section discusses ways of strengthening steel bridges. Issues to consider when choosing the most suitable strengthening method are introduced. Traditional methods are presented, followed by modern strengthening methods. The benefits and drawbacks of each method are listed. Finally, new strengthening methods with the use of modern materials such as shape memory alloys, ultra high performance concrete and carbon-fibre-reinforced polymers are proposed.